Modular flexible clamp

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of clamps, in particular to a modular flexible clamp which comprises a plurality of clamp modules with standardized interfaces, the clamp modules are divided into clamping modules and supporting modules, the clamping modules realize clamping actions through driving mechanisms, and the supporting modules complete workpiece bearing and preliminary positioning through supporting plates and positioning pins. The standardized interfaces are designed in a mode that plug-in holes and plug-in columns are matched with positioning protrusions and grooves, so that the connection stability is enhanced. In addition, the clamp is also provided with an adjusting assembly and a combined connection structure which are respectively used for adjusting the positions of the modules and quickly and accurately combining the modules. The application achieves the effects of improving the adaptability of the clamp, simplifying the assembly operation and enhancing the clamping stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of clamping technology, and in particular to a modular flexible clamp. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of machining, fixture technology plays a vital role in improving production efficiency and ensuring machining accuracy. In recent years, with the diversification and personalization of the manufacturing industry, fixture technology has also undergone a new transformation. Modular fixture technology, with its flexibility, ease of assembly and maintenance, is playing an increasingly important role in modern manufacturing, becoming a key technological means to meet diverse machining needs.

[0003] In existing technologies, to address the poor adaptability of traditional fixtures, adjustable fixtures or modular fixtures are typically employed. For example, adjustable clamping mechanisms are designed to hold workpieces of different sizes; standard components are combined to form fixture structures suitable for specific workpieces; or initial workpiece positioning is achieved by adding locating pins, support blocks, etc. Furthermore, connection between fixture modules is achieved through threaded connections, pin-hole mating, etc., to improve the flexibility and versatility of the fixture.

[0004] However, the above methods still have significant drawbacks: when faced with diverse workpieces, the adjustment range of the fixtures is limited, the operation is complex, it is difficult to quickly adapt to the needs of workpieces with different shapes and sizes, and the cost is high. These problems restrict the application of fixtures in efficient production and flexible manufacturing. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a modular flexible clamp.

[0006] A modular flexible fixture includes multiple fixture modules, each fixture module having a standardized interface, and the fixture modules are connected to each other through the standardized interface to form a fixture structure for clamping workpieces.

[0007] Preferably, the described fixture module consists of two main parts: a clamping module and a support module. The primary function of the clamping module is to provide the necessary clamping force to ensure that the workpiece is stably fixed in the appropriate position during machining or assembly. This clamping force is achieved through a mechanical structure or pneumatic / hydraulic system within the clamping module, which can accommodate workpieces of different sizes and shapes, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of clamping. On the other hand, the support module plays a crucial role in supporting the workpiece. It not only provides a stable platform for the workpiece but may also need to be adjusted in some cases to accommodate the specific dimensions and shape of the workpiece, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the workpiece during machining. Through the coordinated work of these two modules, the fixture module can effectively improve production efficiency and machining quality while reducing machining errors caused by workpiece movement or instability.

[0008] Preferably, the described clamping module consists of two main parts: a clamping head and a drive mechanism. The clamping head is the core component of the clamping module; it is responsible for directly contacting the object to be processed and performing the clamping action. The drive mechanism is closely connected to the clamping head, and its function is to provide power to drive the clamping head to clamp according to a predetermined method and force. Through this design, the clamping module can effectively and reliably clamp objects of various sizes and shapes, ensuring that the objects will not slip or fall during operation, thereby improving the operational efficiency and safety of the entire system.

[0009] Preferably, the described support module consists of two main parts: a support plate and locating pins. The support plate is a robust structure that provides a stable platform for the entire support module. The locating pins are precisely designed components that are securely fixed at specific locations on the support plate. These locating pins are crucial; they enable the initial positioning of the workpiece placed on the support module. This design allows the workpiece to be quickly and accurately placed in its predetermined position, preparing it for subsequent processing or assembly. This support module design not only improves work efficiency but also ensures the accuracy of workpiece positioning, thereby enhancing overall production quality.

[0010] Preferably, the described standardized interface design facilitates convenient connection between different fixture modules. This interface comprises two main components: a socket and a pin. The pin is designed to insert precisely into the socket, ensuring a secure connection between the fixture modules. This design not only improves assembly efficiency but also, due to its standardized nature, allows for flexible interchangeability of different types of fixture modules on the production line, thereby increasing system compatibility and scalability.

[0011] Preferably, both the plug and the socket are equipped with specially designed positioning protrusions and grooves. These positioning protrusions and corresponding positioning grooves are structurally matched, and their interaction significantly improves the stability between the connected components. This design ensures that the plug and socket are precisely aligned during connection, thus avoiding loose connections due to positional deviations. This enhanced connection stability is crucial for ensuring the reliability and durability of the entire device or structure.

[0012] Preferably, the system also includes an adjustment component connected to the fixture module. Its main function is to adjust the specific position of the fixture module to ensure that the fixture module can be accurately positioned to the required working position.

[0013] Preferably, the adjustment component of this invention mainly consists of two parts: a threaded rod and an adjustment handle. Specifically, the threaded rod is connected to the clamping module via a thread, a design that ensures a tight fit and precise adjustment between the two. The adjustment handle is fixedly connected to the threaded rod, allowing the user to easily operate the threaded rod using the handle, thereby achieving fine adjustment of the clamping module. This design not only improves the ease of operation but also ensures stability and reliability during the adjustment process.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a combined connection structure, which is used to select appropriate fixture modules according to the shape and size of the workpiece and realize rapid combination between modules.

[0015] Preferably, the combined connection structure includes a guide groove and a guide block. The guide groove is disposed on the surface of the fixture module, and the guide block is disposed on the surface of an adjacent fixture module and cooperates with the guide groove to achieve precise docking between the modules. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the modular flexible clamp of this utility model;

[0017] The markings in the diagram are: 1_clamping module, 2_fixed clamping head, 3_movable clamping head, 4_drive mechanism, 5_support plate, 6_positioning pin, 7_insertion hole, and 8_insertion post. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following will be combined with the appendix Figure 1The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are clearly and completely described herein. The described embodiments are only possible technical implementations of this utility model and not all possible implementations. Those skilled in the art can obtain other embodiments in conjunction with the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort, and these embodiments are also within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0019] The inventors of this application have discovered that existing fixture technologies suffer from poor adaptability and difficulty in adjustment. To address this, the following solutions are mainly adopted, which have achieved the effect of improving the versatility and flexibility of fixtures. The following is a further detailed description of this application.

[0020] Example 1

[0021] The modular flexible fixture provided in this application includes multiple fixture modules, each with a standardized interface. The fixture modules are connected through the standardized interface to form a fixture structure for clamping workpieces, thereby improving the versatility and flexibility of the fixture and facilitating rapid adaptation to the needs of workpieces of different shapes and sizes.

[0022] Specifically, the fixture module includes a clamping module 1 and a support module. The clamping module 1 provides clamping force, while the support module supports the workpiece. The clamping module 1 mainly includes a fixed clamping head 2, a movable clamping head 3, and a drive mechanism 4. The movable clamping head 3 is connected to the drive mechanism 4, which can be a cylinder or motor, etc., used to drive the movable clamping head 3 to perform the clamping action. The movable clamping head 3 can adopt a wedge-shaped chuck or a hook-shaped chuck, etc., and its material can be high-strength steel or aluminum alloy, etc., to ensure sufficient strength and wear resistance. The connection between the movable clamping head 3 and the drive mechanism 4 can be achieved through threaded connection or keyway connection, ensuring a firm and reliable connection.

[0023] The support module includes a support plate 5 and locating pins 6. The support plate 5, as the main component supporting the workpiece, can be made of materials such as steel or cast iron, providing high strength and stability. The locating pins 6 are fixedly mounted on the support plate 5 for initial workpiece positioning. The locating pins 6 can be cylindrical or tapered, and their material can be stainless steel or hard alloy to ensure good wear resistance and positioning accuracy. The locating pins 6 and the support plate 5 can be fixed by welding or bolting, ensuring a stable connection and easy disassembly and maintenance.

[0024] The standardized interface design is a key part of this fixture, including the insertion hole 7 and the insertion post 8. The insertion post 8 is inserted into the insertion hole 7 to achieve the connection between fixture modules. Both the insertion post 8 and the insertion hole 7 are provided with positioning protrusions and positioning grooves. The positioning protrusions match the positioning grooves to enhance connection stability. The specific shape of the insertion hole 7 and the insertion post 8 can be circular or polygonal, etc., and their dimensions and tolerances need to be strictly controlled to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the connection. In addition, to further improve the stability of the connection, a locking device, such as a screw or a clip, can be provided between the insertion hole 7 and the insertion post 8.

[0025] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0026] Through modular design, the fixture modules are connected via standardized interfaces, allowing for flexible combination and configuration based on the specific shape and size of the workpiece. The combined use of clamping module 1 and support module can meet the clamping requirements of different workpieces. The coordinated operation of the movable clamping head 3 and drive mechanism 4 in clamping module 1 provides stable clamping force; the support plate 5 and locating pin 6 in the support module ensure stable workpiece bearing and initial positioning. The standardized interface design not only improves the versatility and flexibility of the fixture but also simplifies the assembly and maintenance process. The overall structure is simple and compact, easy to operate, and significantly improves production efficiency and machining accuracy.

[0027] Example 2

[0028] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that an adjustment component and a combined connection structure have been added.

[0029] Specifically, the adjustment component connects to the fixture module and is used to adjust the position of the fixture module. The adjustment component includes a threaded rod and an adjustment handle. The threaded rod is threadedly connected to the fixture module, and the adjustment handle is fixedly connected to the threaded rod. The threaded rod can be made of stainless steel or carbon steel, possessing good strength and corrosion resistance. The adjustment handle should be designed for ease of operation and can be made of non-slip rubber or plastic to improve operating comfort. By rotating the adjustment handle, the position of the fixture module can be precisely adjusted to adapt to the needs of different workpieces.

[0030] The modular connection structure is used to select appropriate fixture modules based on the workpiece shape and size and to achieve rapid assembly between modules. The modular connection structure includes guide grooves and guide blocks. The guide grooves are located on the surface of the fixture modules, and the guide blocks are located on the surfaces of adjacent fixture modules and mate with the guide grooves to achieve precise docking between modules. The specific shapes of the guide grooves and guide blocks can be T-shaped or dovetail-shaped, etc., and their dimensions and tolerances need to be strictly controlled to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the docking. Furthermore, limiting devices, such as springs or stops, can be installed between the guide grooves and guide blocks to prevent displacement of the modules during use.

[0031] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0032] By adding adjustment components and modular connection structures, the adaptability and flexibility of the fixture are further improved. The introduction of adjustment components allows for precise adjustment of the fixture module positions, thus better adapting to the needs of different workpieces. The modular connection structure design makes the combination of fixture modules more convenient and precise, greatly improving the assembly efficiency of the fixture. The overall structure is reasonable, the functions are complete, and the practicality and economy of the fixture are significantly improved.

[0033] In summary, the modular flexible fixture and its application method of this application significantly improve the versatility, flexibility and adaptability of the fixture through modular design and innovative connection methods, reduce production costs and operational difficulty, and provide effective technical support for modern manufacturing.

[0034] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A modular flexible clamp, characterized in that, It includes multiple clamping modules, each with a standardized interface, and the clamping modules are connected to each other through the standardized interface to form a clamping structure for clamping workpieces.

2. The modular flexible clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping module includes a clamping module and a support module. The clamping module is used to provide clamping force, and the support module is used to support the workpiece.

3. A modular flexible clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping module includes a clamping head and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is connected to the clamping head and is used to drive the clamping head to perform a clamping action.

4. A modular flexible clamp according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support module includes a support plate and a positioning pin. The positioning pin is fixedly mounted on the support plate and is used for preliminary positioning of the workpiece.

5. A modular flexible clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that, The standardized interface includes a plug hole and a plug post, the plug post being inserted into the plug hole to achieve connection between the fixture modules.

6. A modular flexible clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the plug and the plug hole are provided with positioning protrusions and positioning grooves, and the positioning protrusions and positioning grooves are matched to enhance the connection stability.

7. A modular flexible clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an adjustment component, which is connected to the clamp module and is used to adjust the position of the clamp module.

8. A modular flexible clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes a threaded rod and an adjustment handle. The threaded rod is threadedly connected to the clamp module, and the adjustment handle is fixedly connected to the threaded rod.

9. A modular flexible clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a combined connection structure, which is used to select appropriate fixture modules according to the shape and size of the workpiece and realize rapid combination between modules.

10. A modular flexible clamp according to claim 9, characterized in that, The combined connection structure includes a guide groove and a guide block. The guide groove is disposed on the surface of the fixture module, and the guide block is disposed on the surface of an adjacent fixture module and cooperates with the guide groove to achieve precise docking between the modules.

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